
PS 1469 
.C6 
Copy 1 



LIFEOFEOLUIVIfiUS 



♦♦♦♦^♦♦♦♦^♦♦♦♦^♦♦♦♦^♦♦♦♦^♦♦♦♦^♦♦44 



THE 



LIFE OF 



CHRISTOPHER 

COLUriBUS, 

The Great Discoverer. 



-BY 



Wm. H. Creedon, 



11 -7 



.M.O. ^^VW> 



This brief sketch is put into rblyme 
While endeavoring to contribute 

Something to suit the present time. 
To the subject a peculiar tribute. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The present time is especially appropriate for the 
production of remembrances pertaining to the Life 
of Christopher Columbus, while the nation is doing 
honor to the great discoverer by the Columbian 
World's Fair, and in the four hundredth anniversa- 
ry of his first landing on these shores. 

The checquered career of that most favored, un- 
fortunate and great man, the thrilling, romantic 
and tragic incidents, the struggles, trials discover- 
ies and triumphs, of several years have been emu- 
lated from a true historical basis, hoping its peculiar 
merits may deserve and engage a short perusal. 

W. H. C. 



Copyright 1893. 

BY 

Wm. H. Creedon, M. D. 



Spiritual Introduction. 



God made the world and it is His. 

He ordained that it should be populated, 
And too, by his noblest work, man. 

By whom the high seas must be navigated. 
And made the great highway of nations 

O'er which were to sail seamen brave. 
The result being the greatest of discoveries. 

And propagation of the race — the same to save. 

The human mind is the brightest display 

Of the power and skill of the Infinite Mind; 
It is created and placed here t(* be educated 

For a state of existence of the highest kind; 
The object being to train mind and soul, 

Enabling to fulfill all duties brave, 
When she leaves this cradle of her being 

For an eternal existence beyond the grave. 
7 



Electricity is but an indolent drone 

Compared to the flashes of mind 
Though it may perforate the air with 

Balls of fire, a termination it will find, 
Furrowing through the air separating clouds, 

Myriads of molecules meeting in thunderous roar, 
The mind penetrates the fiercest lightning, 

And has time left far beyond it to soar. 



The mind is the great instrument of effecting the 

Is decidedly and continually improved [world, 
By the intellectual power of exercise. 

No danger of o'erstretching thoughts deep grooved ; 
The perfection of a disciplined mind is 

To rouse up its faculties, draw out its strength, 
Make it produce a quantity of results 

On indulged subjects, and at length. 



This is the end of all discoveries — pursuits, 

When the world and its fleeting ambition, 
Its mind and matter shall have passed away. 

After living a life of many an admonition; 
Of all that live and move and breathe, 

Above his birth only man can rise, 
That he may enter into the celestial 

And rolling ages of heavenly joys. 



Christopher Columbus. 



At the age of 56, Christopher Columbus 

Discovered America, anno doinino 1492, 
When the subject of discovery was treated as 

Visionary and chimerical, he had his view. 
His aspiring mind was taught, rather inspired 

To stray across the broad expanse of the ocean, 
Where fields rich with gold, green with verdure, 

In his mind caused great commotion. 

In the fifth century Buddhist monks, 

After a daring voyage from the Chinese Em.pire, 
Are reported to have landed on this continent, 

But to believe this people had no desire. 
St. Brendan, who lived in Ireland, 

Visited these shores a hundred years later. 
To verify this as being true, we shall 

Refer his spirit for glory to his Creator. 
10 



11 



Four hundred years later, one Ericssen, 

Landed on the shores, now Rhode Island, 
Where it is said he established a settlement, 

Which place he had then called Vineland. 
Next who is supposed to have effected a landing. 

Is a Prince Mauoc of little Wales, 
This was in the eleventh century, 

Some doubt exists if these are not tales. 

Christopher Columbus alone is the 

Acknowledged discoverer of the New World, 
To whom the glory of the discovery belongs. 

Whose colors on our shore were first unfurled. 
His age is clothed in more or less obscurity, 

The best authorities are unable to fix the year. 
Some placing it as far back as 1435, 

To modern historians ten years later it appear. 



12 



For the purposes of this brief history, 

The year 1435, as correct will be taken, 
And Genoa, Italy, as being the city, 

This being generally conceded, am not mistaken. 
Other cities have claimed the honor of his birth. 

But all such are stripped of the honor, 
Genoa is the city wherein his birth occurred. 

This is embraced as a doubt no longer. 

Columbus was the son of a wool comber, 

Of his early life and education little is known. 
That he attended the University at Pavia, 

In the minds of the people has grown. 
Returning to Genoa at the age of twelve, 

\Vhere, with his father, two years he remained, 
When with a relative he began his voyages. 

And his fondness for the sea daily gained. 



13 



For sea voyages he evinced a remarkable liking, 

A desire incident to the age in which he lived, 
At his own request he was permitted to make them, 

His own views in his mind he perceived. 
His first voyage w^as a naval expedition, 

Fitted out in Genoa m the year 1459, 
To make a descent on the city of Naples, 

Where he and his comrades formed in line. 



This was a gallant but ill-fated enterprise. 

When Columbus was ordered on a perilous cruise, 
To cut a galley in the harbor of Tunis, 

VV^hether successful or not there are no clues. 
The fact is merely mentioned here to show. 

That at that time at the age of twenty-four, 
He exhibited a courageous and resolute spirit. 

Which eventually proved successful at a later hour. 



14 



Now, for years, all traces of Columbus is lost, 

Perhaps voyaging to the Mediteranean sea; 
He was captain on several Genoa ships, 

In the service of Louis XI of France, maybe. 
At this time an incident is related, if true, 

To prove the indomitable pluck of Chris, 
This is slightly speculative history, 

But in reality, to him, all was not bliss. 

At this period Columbus occasionally sailed 

With Colombo, the younger, who was a relative, 
And gave him command of one of his vessels. 

But for a short time was his command imperative, 
For his vessel was fastened to a Venetian galle}% 

And both were involved in one conflagration, 
Columbus seizing an oar jumped v^verboard 

Swimming two leagues without hesitati(^n. 



15 



The next heard of Columbus is in Lisbon, 

Where for five years he continued to live, 
Now his first appearance to Portugal, 

As the best of authorities do give. 
In full vigor of manhood and engaging presence, 

Tall, well-formed, muscular and dignified, 
His visage neither long, full, nor meagre, 

His demeanor was somewhat glorified. 

Complexion fair but freckled, nose aquiline. 

His eyes light grey and apt to enkindle, 
And his cheek bones were rather high. 

In his countenance authority did intermingle. 
In youthful days his hair was of a light color. 

But quite grey at thirty years of age. 
Was moderate and simple in diet and dress. 

Eloquent m discourse but never rage. 



16 



With strangers he was engaging and affable, 

His amiableness and suavity in domestic life 
Attached his household to his very person, 

As he sallied along in the world of strife. 
His temper was naturally rather irritible, 

But subdued it by magnanimity of spirit, 
Comporting himself with courteous gravity, [it 

To indulge in intemperance of language, never did 

Throughout his life he was noted for 

Strict attention to the affairs of religion, 
Observing the fast and ceremonies of church, 

And oft times he had received absolution. 
Nor did his piety consist of mere forms. 

But of that solemn enthusiasm he partook. 
With \Adiich his character was strongly tinctured, 

As he secretly futurewai'd and calmly did look. 



17 



Still Columbus was residing in Lisbon, 

It was but natural to find him there, 
As the Portugese were the most expert seamen, 

Compared with them others were nowhere. 
The great mariners and captains were Genoese, 

And most adventurous spirits of the age, 
Here is where Columbus was stopping. 

Was he not a wise young sage.'' 

Love, perpetual melody of the human race, 

Which keeps the spirit of the world ever young, 
Found a spot very easily bombarded. 

And to this enemy Columbus did succumb; 
Dona Felipa Moniz held the fort. 

While Columbus had to give up the garrison, 
This was in the battlefield of love. 

They married, we shall seek no comparison. 



18 



Concerning this event historians are perplexed, 

As there are no records to determine the date, 
Probably \n the year of our Lord, 1474, 

They begun their consolidated fate; 
The issue of this Union was one son, 

Born a year after this timely marriage, 
Receiving at his baptismal, the name Diego, 

Giving Christopher Columbus increased courage- 

At this time Columbus supported his family 

By making maps and charts, a distinction 
A profession in those days required a knowledge 

And experience with a sufficient intention. 
Corresponding with scientific men of the time, 

A fact due to his geographical labors, 
Comparing maps and charts and noting 

The progress and direction of other voyagers- 



19 



He perceived much of the world was unknown, 

Living surrounded with the stir of discovery, 
He communed with other daring mariners. 

Whose explorations were based on a theory, 
And who had risen to fortune and honor, 

The mind of Columbus kindled up to enthusiasm 
In the cause which he subsequently never lost, 

Nor during the excitement showed any sarcasm. 

Oh, what a period of general excitement, 

To all residing in the vicinity of the ocean. 
Rumors were constantly heard on all sides. 

Of the discovery of islands, causing commotion; 
Most of which were but fabulous tales, 

With curious care Columbus noted them down, 
This is mentioned to state the existing feeling, 

W^hich was predominant as the cause had grown. 



20 



This influenced the mind of Columbus 

Confirming his opinion of land "beyond the sea," 
He acquainted himself with all had been written, 

On all discoveries relating to geography; 
From these fanciful narratives and current rumors, 

His grand project of discovery was formed 
By "strong workings of his vigorous mind," 

Which continually had kept him warmed. 

The foregoing shows that Columbus was 

Moved to his grand design by the spirit 
And events of the time in which he lived, 

And to these he had given much credit. 
1^^-om this mass of superstition, fable and report, 

He had come to his final conclusion. 
That there was land in the western part 

Of the ocean, to him seemed no delusion. 



21 



That this land was fertile and inhabited, 

And it was possible to be found. 
In his nfiind he thought he would prove it, 

This undertaking himself he had bound. 
His entire life, character and conduct 

Was influenced by all subsequent information, 
Flis opinion now seemed to be fixed 

He determined to make the investigation. 

No disappointment or trial could desist 

Him' from the pursuits of his life's object. 
As he considered himself in the hands of Heaven, 

Chosen for this great purpose a fit subject, 
P>nabling him to carry the light of true faith 

Into benighted and undiscovered pagan lands, 
Selected from men of high accommplishments, 

Far above others alone he stands. 



22 



Columbus was now satisfied of the feasibility , 

Of a voyage of discovery across the deep, 
His efforts were now centered to find the means, 

His resolution he was determined to keep; 
Many years elapsed before he secured a way 

To carry his grand design into execution, 
For he was too poor to fit out the needed vessels, 

Which would be in demand of his own notion. 

This was an enterprise suitable for some sovereign. 

Who could assume dominion of all he might discover, 
Meantime discoveries were being made by mariners, 

Who along the coast of Africa did hover. 
Few venturing beyond the sight of land. 

Yet the sphere of navigation was extended. 
Who were now enabled to part information, 

As the art of printing had been first invented. 



23 



It drew forth learning from libraries 

And convents which before existed in costly 
Manuscripts out of the reach of the poor scholar, 

The immense power of the printer's ink mostly, 
Making itself then, as it does now, manifest to all; 

Learning came within reach of every one, 
And ideas grew more rapidly and extensively 

In the minds of those not yet gone. 

At this juncture (148 1) the throne of 

Portugal was occupied by King John II, 
Who had imbibed the passion of discovery, 

With his reign its activity was revived and 
During this prevailed excitement, augmented 

By the invention of a new marine instrument 
Called the astrolobe, by which navigators could 

Determine their distances from equator with con- 

[tent. 



24 



Columbus sought an interview with the king, 

The object of discovery to lay before him, 
The arguments of Columbus in favor of the scheme 

Had weight, filling the king to the brim; 
And who referred the proposition to a junto 

Composed of the very best of cosmographers, 
Who unfortunately, treated the subject as visionary, 

They possessed no Columbus head, neither did 

[others- 

The king secretly sends a vessel out to sea, . 

Notwithstanding the verdict of his learned junto, 
With the purpose of following the route laid down 

On the charts submitted by Columbus too. 
An immeasureable waste of sky and water, 

After journeying-several days did they find. 
Ridiculing the project as being irrational. 

Stating, Columbus owned an unsound mind. 



25 



This unworthy attempt to defraud him 

Of his enterprise roused his indignation, 
And he at once determined to leave the country, 

And to do so with calm resignation; 
Being treated so unfairly in Portugal, 

He thought he must seek assistance elsewhere. 
On his personal exertions he must rely upon 

Leaving Lisbon with his son Diego, his care. 

From Lisbon he traveled to Genoa, 

This being in the year of our Lord 1484, 
Here, as in Lisbon, he met with refusal. 

And it is evident he did not score. 
Similar proposals he had made to Venice, 

The result being the same as above, 
Yet, did not falter in his undertaking. 

But slowly and cautiously did rove. 



26 



Columbus lost again for another year, 

No tidings of his whereabouts during this time, 
Until the year 1435, 12 months later, 

We find him among Spanish nobles in prime, 
And seeking a fortune among high sovereigns, 

Several of whom owned vast possessions, 
And with some of these he almost succeeded 

In getting the number of ships for his mission. 



As usual it all ended in making nothing. 

Columbus decided to seek the king of France, 
When this became known to the Spanish nobles. 

It almost put them in a trance, • 
As they were loath that an enterprise 

Of such importance should be lost to Spain, 
The Duke Medina-Celi wrote to Queen 

Isabella strongly recommending the scheme. 



27 



The queen replied to the duke favorably, 

Requesting that Columbus be sent to her, 
He accordingly set out for the Spanish 

Court, then at Cordova, was all astir; 
This was one of the most brilliant periods 

In the Spanish monarchy, and when 
The kingdom of Castile and Arragan were united, 

The marriageofFerdinand-Isabellatookplace then, 



Thus consolidating christian power in the peninsula, 

Concentrating united Spain against the Moors, 
The city of Cordova was in all the bustle of 

Military preparation, preparing for evil doers. 
When Columbus arrived he was in charge 

Of Alonzo de Quintanilla, comptroller 
Of the treasury of Castile. This was a critical 

Juncture of the war, and was wished over. 



28 



The rival Moorish kings of Granada, 

Muley Boabdil and Mohammed Boabdil, 
Had just formed a great coalition, 

Calling for vigorous measures in detail, 
All the chivalry of Spain had been 

Summoned to the field. The court looked 
Like a military camp — the king and queen 

In the midst of the cavaliers were booked 

To distinguish themselves as in former 

Wars against the Moors, they were intent, 
So the subject of discovering new 

Countries had to be abandoned for the present. 
Columbus remained in Cordova during the 

Prosecution of this war, as de Quintanilla's guest, 
Who was now a warm advocate of the theory 

Through whom he made friends of the best. 



29 



During the winter Columbus made the acquaintance* 

Of the celebrated Pedro Gonzales de Mendoza, 
Archbishop of Toledo, which fact marked 

A distinct epoch in his life. This we say 
Because he was the most important personage 

About the court, with Columbus pleased, 
And after hearing his arguments determined 

It was a matter highly worthy to be seized. 

Through his representations Columbus finally 

Obtained admission to the royai presence, 
After listening to the eloquence of Columbus, 

King Ferdinand determined this perseverance 
Should receive the opinion of the most learned 

Men of the kingdom and be guided 
By their decision. The conference took place 

In Salamanca, the seat of graded 



30 



Learning in Spain, and was held in the 

Dominican Convent of St. Stephens, in which 
Columbus was lodged during the examination. 

The Castilian Court from Salamanca rich, 
Prepared for war against Malaga, 

Thus interrupting the consultations of the board, 
The decision of that body had been delayed, 

Keeping Columbus in suspense like a lord. 

After some time Columbus was summoned 

To court where the sovereigns, Ferdinand 
And Isabella were encamped before Malaga, 

Which city surrendered in 1487 and 
Ended the campaign, the court returned 

To Cordova, but was driven from the city 
By a pestilence which kept the court migrating 

For fully a year, what a pity. 



31 



Keeping Columbus waiting very patiently. 

Wearied by constant delays he began 
To think of applying elsewhere for patronage, 

And did open negotiations with King John 
Of Portugal for a return to the country, 

Receiving a letter in reply March, 1488, 
Also a letter from Henry VII, of 

England, asking him to that country great. 

Both of these invitations he neglected to accept 

Owing to favorable indications in Spain, 
He was right, for in the spring of 1489 

The long-adjourned investigation appeared again 
To be in the eve of taking place. 

Columbus was now summoned to Seville 
To attend a conference of learned men. 

But as usual postponed, a necessary evil. 



32 



In consequence of another war gainst the Moors 

Who were then occupying the city of Baza, 
In which history says he was found 

Possessing lofty ideas, and not crazy; 
Fighting, giving proofs of the distinguished 

Valor which accompanied his wisdom. 
During the siege an incident took place, 

Making an impression not at random. 

Two revered friars arrived one day 

At the Spanish camp, brethren of convent 
Established at the Holy Sepulcher at Jerusalem; 

They were bearers of a message sent 
From the Grand Soldan of Egpyt, 

Threatening to put to death all the Christians 
In his dominion and destroying the sepulchre 

If the sovereigns did not peace sustain. 



33 



And quit their war against Granada. 

The representations of these friars of the suffering 
To which the Christians were subjected 

In the Holy Land roused the pious indignation 
Of the Spanish cavaliers, and it was probably 

From conversation with these friars 
That caused Columbus to make the vow, [eries 

That profits accruing from his anticipated discov- 

Would be devoted to a crusade for the [infidels. 

Rescue of the Holy Sepulchre from the power of 
Columbus now learned that the court of Salamanca 

Had decided adversely, as history tells 
To the proposition, and in the report, 

Stated his scheme to be vain, impracticable, 
And resting on grounds too weak to merit 

Support of the government, not applicable. 



34 



There were many in the council, however, 

Too enlightened to acquiesce in this verdict. 
Some of the most considerate persons 

Of the court, indeed, moved by the conflict. 
Or rather by the cogency of Columbus's argument, 

And affected the elevation of his views. 
Not only cordially embraced his scheme 

Butextended their personal friendship, good news. 

Among these were the grand cardinal, 

Mendoza, and Dega, Archbishop of Seville, 
Whose authority had great weight with sovereigns, 

And who softened the harshness at w^ill. 
Of the verdict of the conference by assuring 

Columbus that at the close of the war ■ 
They would find time and inclination 

To treat with him, his conscience not mar. 



35 



Such was the ineffected result of 

Columbus's long and painful solicitation, 
And, far from receiving the qualified 

Assurance of the sovereigns in mitigation 
Of their refusal, he seems to have 

Considered it as final and peremtory 
In great dejection of mind, therefore. 

But without further delay preparatory 

To his acquittal at court, he went south. 

With the apparently and desperate intention 
Of again seeking out some other patron 

For his undertaking in his distention. 
With a heavy heart he bid adieu to Spain 

Not wishing to waste any more time. 
He began his journey, however, stopping at 

The convent, of La Pabida, feeling sublime. 



36 



He was persuaded by the guardian Juan 

Perez, his further journeying to postpone, 
Until another effort had been made to move 

The Spanish Court in his favor alone. 
For this purpose the worthy ecclesiastic 

Undertook an expedition to the city of Santa Fe, 
Where the sovereigns lay encamped before Granada. 

On arriving was admitted to an audience gay. 

He pressed the suit of Columbus with earnestness. 

Was ably supported by several eminent persons 
Whom Columbus, during his residence in the country 

Had interested themselves in his project lessons. 
Among them were Alonzo de Quintanilla, 

Luis de St. Angel and the Marchioness 
De Moya, the latter friend of Isabella 

And who exhibited a spirit of kindness. 



37 



These representation, combined with the 

Opportune season of the application occurring 
When the approaching termination of the Moorish 

War allowed room for other objects interesting, 
Wrought so favorable a change in the dispositions 

Of the sov^ereigns that they really consented 
To renew negotiations with Columbus 

And an invitation to him was presented 

By the friar, ordering him to repair to Santa Fe. 

Availing himself of this welcome intelligence, 
Columbus lost no time in arriving at camp, 

This he had done without negligence. 
Arriving in time to witness the surrender of Granada, 

And when every heart was swelling 
With exultation at the triumphant termination, 

Truly a propitious moment for dwelling 



38 



On the presentation of Christopher Columbus. 

At this interview with the king and queen 
He endeavored to stimulate the cupidity 

Of his audience, picturing the realms unseen. 
Of Mangi and Cathay, which he confidently 

Expected to reach by a western route. 
Concluding his arguments with an appeal 

To a higher principal, how resolute. 

Holding out the prospect of extending the 

Empire of the cross over nations of benighted 
Heathens, while he proposed to devote the profits 

To the recovery of Holy Sepulchre, how delighted. 
The demands of Columbus were considered too hisfh 

At this interview, and it was said 
They savored of the highest degree of arrogance 

And would be unbecoming to grant paid 



39 



To a needy foreign adventurer. On this ground 

The conferences were abruptly broken off 
And again he turned his back on the Spanish 

Court, who seemingly at him did scoff. 
Resolved rather to forego his splendid anticipations 

Of discovery at the moment when the career 
So long sought was thrown open to him 

Than surrender honorable distinction with fear. 

He had a proud and unyielding spirit 

Which through years of trials had sustained 
And enabled him at length to achieve his 

Great enterprise he hoped to have gained, 
And too, in the face of every obstacle which 

Man and nature seemed to have opposed. 
Some men are constitutionally so low 

Call a thing higher, opposition is roused. 



40 



The friends of Columbus rallied and again 

Brought the queen to consider the matter, 
Stating that Columbus's demands were made 

At least contingent on success, after 
Which they would be very well deserved. 

At these arguments Isabella was moved, 
She contemplated the proposals of Columbus, 

In their true light she was behooved 

To no longer listen to the suggestions 

Of cold councillors, her noble, generous heart 
Gave way to natural influences — her own, 

She was determined to give Columbus a start. 
I will assume the undertaking for my own 

Crown of Castile, and am ready to pawn 
My jewels to defray the expense of it 

If the funds in the treasury are drawn 



41 



And found inadequate. A message 

At once was dispatched after Columbus, 
Who was overtaken a few leagues from Granada, 

Where he volunteered to return without any fuss. 
When he arrived at Santa Fe he 

Experienced a most courteous reception 
And was granted an audience with the queen 

When an understanding was made to perfection. 

A definite arrangement was concluded with 

The Spanish sovereigns on April 17, 1492, 
By the terms of this agreement Columbus was 

Made admiral, governor-general and viceroy 
Of all the islands and continents he shall discover, 

And was to be entitled to one-tenth of all 
The product and profits within the limits 

Of his discoveries, whether crreat or small. 



42 



No sooner were the negotiations closed 

Then Isabella prepared with her characteristic 
Promptness to forward the expedition by the most 

Efficient measures, the most artistic. 
Orders were sent to Seville and other ports 

To furnish stores and articles for the voyage, 
The fleet consisting of three vessels, were to sail 

From the port of Palos to begin passage. 

Palos for some delinquency had been 

Condemned to furnish the crown 
With two caravels for the period of a year. 

Which was a heavy encumbrance to the town. 
The third vessel was procured and fitted out 

Under the authority of Columbus with the aid 
And assistance of Martin Alonzo Pinzon and brother, 

Vincente Yanez Pinzon, both of whom paid. 



43 



The Pinzons were navigators of great courage. 

In about three months everything was ready 
For the first perilous voyage of discovery 

By Columbus whose mind and hands were steady 
The armament consisted of two caravels 

Which were light vessels, decks, had none, 
And a third one of much larger burden 

From which the flag of Columbus had flown. 



The latter had been prepared especially 

For this voyage, was decked, named Santa Maria, 
Another, called the Pinta was commanded 

By Martin Alonzo Pinzon, the third, Nina, 
Was in charge of Vincente Yanez Pinzon. 

All things being in readiness Columbus 
And crew confessed themselves, partook 

Of the sacrament, after manners of Spanish 



44 



Mariners when on the eve of an important 

Voyage. On Friday morning-, 1492, 
This being exactly on the 3rd of August, 

The squadron put to sea, and bidding adieu 
To the old world, launched forth on that 

Unfathomed waste of waters where no sail 
Had ever been spread before a gale, 

A feeling of sadness did prevail 

Over the entire little community of Palos, 

For nearly all had relatives on board. 
All the old books and manuscript found 

Relating to the departure agree in one accord 
That the last seen of Columbus, as he faded 

From view of the people on shore 
He was standing on his poop with the 

Standard of the cross which he did adore. 



45 



The image of the Saviour nailed to the 

Wood, waving in the early breezes of day. 
When Columbus set out on his voyage 

So daring and memorable they say 
It was his intention to write down 

As he proceeded everything that he saw, 
And that he did to make a chart 

Of his discoveries and course a law, 

And which he intended for the inspection 

Of the Spanish sovereigns upon his return, 
Should he be fortunate enough to get back. 

And not have any occasion to mourn; 
And it is now to this journal of his 

That we are indebted for all the details 
Of his first voyage and dramatic incidents, 

While journeying his courage never fails. 



46 



The exultation of Columbus at finding 

Himself, after eighteen years of baffled hope, 
Trials, poverty and scoffs, at last launched 

On the grand surprise, having full scope. 
Was somewhat checked at his lack of 

Confidence in his crew, for a great part 
Of them had been pressed into service against 

Their will, really not wanting to make a start. 

On the third day out, according to authorities, 

The Pinta made some signals of distress, 
Her rudder was found to be badly broken. 

At this period was first used for steering purpose, 
Replacing the old ancient lateral paddles. 

Columbus was much disturbed at this occurrence, 
Attributing it to a trick of the owners of the vessel, 

To impede a voyage which they held in abhorrence. 



47 



The rudder, however, was finally secured 

With ropes, and Columbus tried to feel secure, 
Owing to the prompt energy of Pinzon, 

Who commanded the vesssel, and did insure.. 
The Canary Islands now coming in sight. 

It w^as decided to touch at Gomera, 
And there to repair the damaged rudder. 

And replace the latine sails of the Nina.. 

While in port it w^as learned that the 

Portugese vessels were lying in w^ait 
For him in the neighborhood with the purpose 

Of intercepting his journey, considered so great, 
In retaliation for having gone over to the 

Interests of Spain, but he succeeded in evading 
Them and continued on his voyage September 6th. 

This act of the Portugese seemed degrading. 



48 



It may be mentioned that Columbus was now 

On his way to the New World to discover, 
For every league that was sailed from this time 

Was upon the unknown deep, the sky as cover. 
His course was westward, but for three days, 

A dead calm kept the vessels almost within 
Sight of land and proved a most vexatious delay, 

Raising apprehensions in the minds of his men, 

That the voyage might prove too long for their constan- 

This suggested to him to falsify the reckoning, [cy. 
And the reckoning was secretly kept of theactual num- 

Of milessailed each day, and another making [ber 
One considerably less, the latter being given to 

The crews daily, the former he did not show. 
The result of Monday's sail was sixty degrees. 

But put it down forty that they would not know. 



49 



This deception was practiced all through voyage 

Keeping the crews ignorant of the real distance 
Which they had sailed from the port of Palos, 

So that it might stop any hindrance. 
On the nth. September they came across a mast 

Which was broken and in the water a long while, 
The crews looked v/ith fear upon this piece of wreck, 

Drifting ominously and in no attractive style. 

On the 13th. Columbus notes that the ships 

Adverse currents are encountering slowly, 
And the voyagers two hundred leagues from Ferro, 

The needle of compass pointed so peculiarly 
As it had never been observed before. 

Gaining a point in the history of navigation, 
The needle pointed to the true north 

Which at first he made no mention 



50 



Of this circumstance, knowing how ready his people 

Were to take alarm, but it soon attracted the atten- 
Of the pilots and filled them with consternation, [tion 

Thelawsof nature were changing in their apprehen- 
Intering another world of unknown influences, [sion, 

Christopher Columbus practiced deception again 
And stated to the terrified crew that it was 

Not the needle but the North Star in the main 

That moved like other heavenly bodies, 

As the pilots held Columbus in a high opinion 
As a profound astronomer, their fears subsided, 

The phenomenon of this peculiar variation 
Of the magnetic needle has now become familiar 

To all navigators, but the cause is a conjecture. 
The next day the voyagers were rejoiced by the sight 

Qi harbingers of land, to them a lecture. 



51 



Several birds hovered about the ships, 

That same night a meteor fell into the sea, 
Which again struck terror into the crews. 

Who soon became as quiet as could be. 
The ships had now advanced into the influence 

Of the trade-winds, which blew steadly 
From east to west between the tropics. 

With the breezes they were wafted speedly 

Over a tranquil sea, so that for many days 

No sail was shifted, but Columbus was keeping 
A secret of the number of actual miles sailed, 

And it was thought they were land aearing, 
As they found patches of herbs and weeds; 

Soundings were resorted to but no bottom found. 
Birds were seen which it was popularly supposed 

Never slept except on or near the ground. 



52 



This sight encouraged the men with the belief 

That they could not be very far from shore; 
The sight of a whale was another indication, 

Their expectations on vessel grew more and more; 
For the sovereigns had promised a pension of ten 

Thousand marvedis tohim who would first see land, 
Which, from the floating weeds, the flights of birds, 

Fish, and other animals they had scanned. 

Notwithstanding the precautions to keep the crews 

In ignorance of the distance sailed they were grow- 
Fxtremely uneasy of the length of the voyage, [ing 

They had advanced much further west, still mov- 
Tlian ever man had sailed before, out into that [ing, 

Great apparently boundless abyss. 
Even the steady trade-winds which were wafting 

Them favorably on, their vessel did kiss, 



53 



Were construed by the ingenious fears of the crews 

Into a new source of alarm, for they imagined 
They would prove head-winds on their return. 

They would never see Spain again they continued. 
A day or so later the course was changed 

To west by northwest and they got clear of weeds, 
This change was occasioned by a head-wind, 

And Columbus says in his journal, it needs ^ 

But a hint to explain why he w^elcomed it, 

Because it had the effect on the sailors convincible. 
That westerly winds to return by were 

(Here indulging in a short argument) improbable. 
Columbus now, it is said, conferred with Pinzon, 

Regarding a chart which with them they did car- 
Which showed some islands near where they [ry. 

Now supposed the ships did slowly tarry. 



54 



The situation was daily becoming more critical, 

For in proportion as he approached the region 
Where he expected to find land, the impatience 

Of the crowd augmented, became a contagion. 
The sailors now derided all the supposed 

Favorable signs of land weak and delusive; 
There being danger of their rebelling and compelling 

Him to turn back, this was slightly abusive. 

Now on the verge of realizing all his hopes. 

They beheld themselves with great dismay. 
Wafted onward over the boundless waste, [obey. 

The command of Columbus was imperative — must 
Should their provisions fail, what then.'' 

Every day added to the expanse left behind. 
How should they ever be able to return. 

Was constantly preying on their mind, 



55 



Having no intervening port where they could 

Renew their stores, and their ships repair. 
In this way they fed their discontents and [pair. 

Fomenting spirit of mutinous opposition, what dis- 
In their secret conferences they exclaimed 

Against Columbus as a desperado bent 
In a mad phantasy, upon doing something [tent. 

Extravagant to make himself notorious and con- 

\\'ere their lives to be sacrificed in the effort? [ed, 

Were they to sail on until they would have perish- 
Or until all chance of return was impossible? 

All such thoughts they had secretly cherished. 
On the other hand if they should have returned, 

Who could blame them, for they had now sailed 
Further than any one had ever done before. 

Such villainous thoughts in their minds prevailed. 



56 



The thought then occurred to them of throwing 

Columbus into the sea, and the ships turn back, 
Accounting for his death, saying he fell overboard, 

A report, they reasoned, no one could attack. 
Colum.bus was not ignorant of their disposition. 

Still maintaining a serene and stately countenance. 
Soothing some of the sailors with gentle words. 

Stimulating their pride and service in continuance. 

On September 25th. the wind becoming 

Favorable, the course was resumed directly west, 
The sea was quite calm often permitting the vessels 

To approach each other their speed to test; 
And indulge in conversation between the crews. 

Birds and drift still continued to be present, 
Among the latter they saw something like fruit, 

To say the least making them feel pleasant 



57 



From such indications they thought land was near, 

And on Sunday the Nina fired a lombard, 
Hoisted a flag as a signal that land was seen, 

And Martin Alonzo Pinzon's voice was heard 
Exclaming, Land! Land! Senor, my reward! 

Upon this Columbus threw himself on his knees 
And returned thanks to God, and under lead 

Of commanders, all repeated Gloria in Excclsis. 

It was, however, only a trick of the clouds. 

And proved to be a firmament delusion. 
On October ist. Columbus says in his journal, 

I am not laboring under any illusion, 
When I say we were seven hundred and seven 

Leagues from Ferro, but made the crews believe 
It was only five hundred and eighty-four, 

As he thought best for them to deceive. 



58 



Neither weeds were to be seen floating 

Nor birds flying, causing the crews to fear 
That they had passed between two islands 

From which birds had been passing, perhaps near. 
Again they began to utter murmurs and menaces, 

But the next day such sights of birds were seen 
And other indications of land became numerous. 

So that more confident they could not have been. 

On the 6th. of October Martin Pinzon suggested 

A change of course, but Columbus persisted 
In steering directly west, and the next day 

At sunrise, some of the men insisted 
That from Columbus's ship land was seen, 

And the Nma, being a very fast sailor 
Pressed forward to ascertain the fact 

But again the supposed land was a failure. 



59 



For three days more the ships sailed on 

And the further they proceeded the more frequent 
And encouraging became the signs of land, 

And the flight of birds flying along intent 
On the same course of the ships seemed to 

Confirm their hopes of being a near land. 
On the loth. the men began to lose patience 

Again, but Columbus was again at hand 

And reassured the men by reminding them 

Of the profits which were in store, 
And the folly of seeking to return when 

They had already gone so far — and more, 
He told them that happen what might, 

He had finally determined to proceed 
Untilby the blessing of the Almighty God. 

And his own perseverance, he should succeed. 



60 



It is stated by nearly all historians 

That at this time the feeling existing 
Between Columbus and the crews was one 

Of open defiance, and the task of persisting 
To preserve subordination and to instil [measure, 

Confidence, resorted to argument in a certain 
And threats, enticements and picture 

The misfortunes of incurring the royal pleasure. 



The manifestations of the vicinity of land 

Were such as to admit no longer of doubt. 
Fresh weeds, fish of a kind that keep near rocks, 

Bushes, branches of trees with fruit floated about, 
And a staff artificially carved were picked up, 

And all mutiny gave way to expectation. 
After sunset on the 1 1 th. the course was shifted [lating 

Again to due west, and the admiral's crew congratu- 



61 

Was such as to unite it with more fervor 

Than usual in the Salve Regina. 
At about lo o'clock that night as Columbus 

Was peering into the night through his retina, 
He saw a faint glimmering of light, 

And fearing that perhaps he might be deceived, 
Pointed it out to Pedro Gutierrez, who 

Also plainly saw it, and a third was relieved. 

Columbus considered this a sure sign of land. 

Four hours after the light was first seen, 
And at just 2 o'clock in the morning, 

When the moon in the third quarter had been, 
Was in the East, the Pinta, keeping ahead, 

One of her sailors, Rodrigo de Triana 
Discovered the land two leagues away. 

And the discharge of a gun from the Pinta 



62 



Communicated the joyful intelligence to the other 

Ships. The fleet then took in sail 
And each vessel under backed sheets was 

Pointed to the wind which the seamen did hail. 
It was a proud moment of painful suspense 

To Columbus, and brimming hopes, perhaps fears 
Of disappointment, must have acccompanied that 

Hour of wavering enchantment amid streaming 

[tears. 

On Friday morning, October 1 2th. Columbus 

First beheld the New World, his little fleet 
Had been sixty days on its perilous voyage. 

Which, with ten days in their Canary retreat, 
Made the entire voyage seventy days. [land, 

The land before them was discovered to be an is- 
In the language of the natives, Guanahani, 

And which was more than a dreamland. ' j 



63 



Some naked savages on the shores were seen, [land, 

The admiral and other commanders prepared to 
Columbus taking the royal Standard and the 

Others, each a banner of the green cross in hand, 
And which bore the initial of the sovereign, 

With a cross between and a crown surmountinsr 
Every letter. Thus, with the emblems of their power, 

And accompanied with tvv^o captains, not dis- 

[counting. 

Rodrigo de Escovedo and Rodrigo Sanchez, 

And several seamen to the shore the boat rowed. 
On landing Columbus threw himself on his knees. 

Kissed the earth, thanked God as the tears flowed, 
His example was followed by all of the others 

Whose hearts overflowed with feelings of gratitude, 
Since they had safely crossed that dark tomb. 

And as they thought in an unknown latitude. 



64 



Columbus then rising and throwing back the 

Crimson cloak which covered his armor, 
Drew his sword, displayed the royal standard, 

Gave the island the name of San Salvador, 
After assembling around him ajl his followers, [eigns, 

Took possession in the name of the Castilian sover- 
And calling upon all to take the oath of allegiance 

To him as admiral and viceroy, representing for- 

[eigners. 

The men crowded around Columbus 

With overflowing zeal, some kissing his hand, 
Others embraced him, while those who had been 

Mutinous during the voyage, a little band. 
Were the most devoted and enthusiastic; 

And some who had outraged him by insolence 
Crowded at his feet begging his pardon and 

Promising him for the future, blind obedience. 



65 



When at the dawn of day the natives discovered 

The ships hovering- on the coast, 
They supposed them monsters from the deep, 

And it is related they got scared the most' 
When they saw the small boat containing 

Columbus leave the ship's side and approach 
The shore, they fled in affright to the woods. 

And under the branches did crouch. ' 

Finding, however that no attempt was made 

To pursue them they gradually recovered 
From their terror and drew near the 

Spaniards with great awe, and hovered 
Around frequently prostrating themselves 

Upon the earth and making signs of adoration. 
During the ceremonies of taking possession 

They remained in timid admiration. 



66 



They were surprised at the complexion, beards, 

The shining armor and splendid dress 
Of the Spaniards, Columbus particularly commanded 

Their attention. The natives were no less 
Objects of curiosity to the discoverers, 

Differing as they did from any race of men 
They had ever seen. They were friendly and 

Gentle, entirely naked but painted had been. 

As Columbus supposed he had landed at an 

Island at the extremity of India he called 
The natives Indians, a name since extended to 

All the aboriginals of the New World. 
They gave the natives colored cups, glass beads, 

Hawk's bills and other trifles which pleased 
Them exceedingly. The Spaniards remained all 

Day on the island, then their oars seized. 



67 



The island upon which Columbus first landed 

Was one of the groups of the Bahamas, 
Which stretch east and southwest from the coast 

Of Florida and north of Cuba, history says. 
On the morning of the 14th. of October 

The admiral determined the island to reconnoitre 
As the boats passed several Indian villages 

Men and women on the shore did loiter. 

Throwing themselves on the ground, lifting up their 

Hands and eyes, and otherwise demonstrating 
Their admiration and worship. These scenes 

Weredaily repeated as theboatskeptupnavigating. 
Being impatient to arrive at other places, Columbus 

Left the island of San Salvador for another 
Which could be seen at no great distance. 

And to which all went harmoniously together. 



68 



He imagined he was among those described by 

Marco Polo as standing in the sea of China. 
Night coming on the ships were ordered to lie to, 

As navigation was dangerous proximate to Cuba. 
The next morning they went on shore and took 

Solemn possession the same as they had done 
In San Salvador, when the same scenes 

With the natives had earnestly begun. 

The name Santa Maria de la Concepcion 

To this island had been duly given. 
Two days later another island was reached. 

The name Fernandino was transfered to this one. 
Leaving here Columbus sailed in quest of an 

Island called Saometo, upon which he was told 
By the natives that a king dwelt in a large city, 

And that there was also a mine of sfold. 



69 



The island was found, but not gold nor king, 

But it proved to be the most beautiful of all 
Those he had seen, as an abundance of fruits 

Of a kind they had never seen, nor call. 
The natives also appeared to be of a bettar kind. 

The women wearing mantles and aprons of cotton. 
And their habitations were construed in the 

Pavillion or high circular tent of branches gotten 

Off of the native trees, also using nets of cotton 

For beds, called haniacs, now known as hammocks, 
To this island he p'ave the nam.e of Isabella, 

But now is called Isle Largo and seemingly rocks 
On the bosom of the ocean. He remained here 

Several days, filling his casks with water and laying 
In some specimens of fruits and also some 

Of the natives on board taking, wlien leaving. 



70 



It was from these natives that Columbus 

First heard of the island of Cuba 
To which he sailed along the shores. 

Then giving it the name of J nana, 
After Prince Juan. For several days 

He coasted along, discovering rivers and harbors, 
Amone which was one which he called Puerto del 

Principe, and here as on island neighbors 

He erected a cross and took possession, passing [ago 

Several days in exploring with his boat an archipel- 
Of small islands, since known as El Jardin del Rey. 

On the 20th. he prepared to go 
Making signals for the other vessels to follow, 

But the signals were ignored by the Pinta, 
Columbus repeated the signals, but they were still 

Unattended to, and night coming on he saw 



71 



No tidings of the others. He shortened sail 

And hoisted signal lights, but when morning 
Came the Pinta was nowhere to be seen, 

Columbus was much disquieted by this warning 
And imagined that Pinzon had deserted him 

To either prosecute discoveries on his own part 
Or hasten back to Spain, and bear off all the glory 

Of the discov^ery. It was not manly art. 

On the 24th. he returned to Cuba and 
Anchored in a harbor which he called 

St, Catherine, and spent several more days 
Coasting and on Decemmber 5 th. he sailed 

To the end of the island. The natives now 
On board told him of another island, Bahio, 

And which is now called Hayti. 

Columbus gave it the name of Hispaniola. 



72 



Still another island was discovered and 

Named Tortgas, from the immence 
Number of turtles he had found there. 

On December roth, with a clear conscience, 
The harbor of St. Thomas was discovered. 

The natives of these islands acted the same 
As those of San Salvador, the first island found, 

Flying to the woods as the boats came, 

And afterwards returning when not pursued, 

To be presented with beads and bells. 
On the morning of the 24th. of December 

Columbus set sail, as his journal tells, 
From the port of St. Thomas and steered 

To the east. The wind was from the land 
But so slight as to scarcely fill the sails, 

It was Christmas Eve all feeling grand. 



73 



While within a couple of leagues of land, 

Columbus finding the sea smooth retired to rest. 
No sooner had he done so than the steersman 

Gave the helm in charge one of the boys to test 
And went to sleep, and the rest of the crew 

Taking advantage of the absence of Columbus, 
Went to sleep also. In the meantime the vessel 

Was being carried to shore by currents treacherous. 

The boy did not notice the breakers until he 

Felt the rudder strike and heard the roar 
Of the waters, when he began to call loudly 

For aid. Columbus was the first to score. 
And when the startled crew appeared ordered 

Them to take a boat and carry out an anchor 
Astern to warp the vessel off. The crew sprang 

Into the boat, causing a great stir, 



74 



But instead of casting the anchor in the 

Confusion to the other vessel did skip, 
Half a league to windward and made known 

The perilous state of Columbus's ship. 
By the time the commander had reached Columbus 

It was too late the vessel for to save. 
The mast was ordered cut away to lighten 

The ship in hopes that they might have 

The use of her to return, but all efforts 

Were in vain. The keel was firmly fixed 
In the sand, while the shock had opened 

Many seams, everything was greatly mixed, 
The breakers striking her broadside lifted her 

Each moment more and more aground 
Until finally she fell over on one side. 

And was abandoned by all around. 



75 



Columbus rowed to the Nina with his men, [ing, 

Communicating with the native chief in the morn- 
And making known the disaster, that friendly 

Native sent many canoes and men not alarming. 
To assist in unloading the ship, so that in a 

Short time everything of value was saved 
And placed on shore. This assistance gave 

Many opportunities, the natives well behaved. 

Mutual confidence sprung up between the 

Spaniards and natives. The shipwreck shackled 
And limited all Columbus's future discoveries, 

And linked his fortunes (after all he tackled) 
For the remainder of his life to this island. 

And involving him in many perplexities. 
The saving of his stores and the loss of 

His ships, the latter causing some anxieties 



76 



Suggested what some of his men had asked for, 

That they might be left there while adm.iral 
Returned to Spain with the news of his discovery, 

If Pinzon, the recreant commander, scoundrel, 
Of the Pinta, had not already sailed for home 

Ahead of him. Columbus ordered a fort 
To be constructed out of the materials of the wreck 

And provisioned for a year of the sort 

Used in those days and on that occasion, 

Wliich, with the assistance of the natives 
Was built in about ten days. Forty men 

Were left to garrison it, not to say captives. 
And it as well as the harbor where the wreck 

Occurred, was called La Navidad. 
Diego do Branza was put in command 

Neither of the forty men felt very sad. 



77 



On December 27th. Columbus received tidings 

Of the absent ship Pinta with cheerfuhiess. 
On Sunday, December 30th., the Spaniards and 

Natives vied with each other in graciousness. 
The chief put his crown on Columbus and 

The latter placed his scarlet coat on the chief. 
Preparations were now begun for the return to Spain, 

On Jan. 5, 1849, leave taking was made brief. 

Columbus impressed the natives with the 

Great power of the Spaniards and to instil 
A dread of them in the interest of those 

He left behind in the fort, not to kill. 
He arranged a series of grand exhibitions. 

Causing the crews to perform skirmishes. 
Mock battles, sham fights with swords, buckles, 

Lances, cross-bows, cannon and arquebuses. 



78 



The Indians were astonished at the keenness 

Of the swords and the deadly power 
Of the cross-bows and arquebuses, but they 

Were struck with awe when the shower 
From the heavy lombards in the fort 

Pealed forth, wrapping it in wreaths of smoke, 
Shaking the forest with their report and 

Shivering the trees with the balls of stone, no joke, 

When the mention is made here that such 

Were the artillery used in those days. 
The festivities being ended, Columbus took 

Final leave of the native chief, and displays. 
The signal gun was fired, the crew gave a 

Parting cheer and on the 4th. of January 
The ship set sail from La Navidad, 

Th^y steered eastward towards a lofty promontory, 



79 



To which the name of Monte Christi was given 

Which it still retains. A sailor stationed 
At the masthead now beheld the Pinta 

At a distance which shortly had hastened 
And joined Columbus, when Pinzon endeavored 

To excuse his desertion by saying he was compelled 
To part company by stress of. weather. 

On the 9th. of January they had sailed 

And arrived at a river which was named 

Rio de Gracia, and continuing coasting, 
Came to a bay where they made a landing 

But found the natives less coaxing, 
And quite different from the gentle and 

Peaceful people met in the other parts [swords 
Of the island. They were armed with war clubs, 

Made of hardwoods, bows and arrows, darts 



80 



From their ferocious aspects they were 

Supposed to be the dreaded Caribs. 
As the boats approached the shore 

Full fifty or more of the savages, 
All armed, came forward, but on a word 

From the chief their weapons laid by 
And came forth to meet the Spaniards; 

Suddenly conceiving some mistrust they 

Rushed for their arms, snatched them up and 

Returned as if to fight the new-comers; 
The Spaniards attacked them, wounded two 

And put the rest to flight — what runners. 
This was the first contest with the Indians 

In the New World. Repressing his inclination 
To seek further discoveries, and to the great joy 

Of his crew who were in a state of jollification. 



81 



'On January i6th. he directed his course [tuous; 

Direct to Spain. The return voyage was tempes- 
Storms and high seas were frequent 

Until on February i6th. a tremendous 
Gale struck the vessels and during the night 

They lost sight of each other. The storm 
Increased to such an extent that little hope 

Was felt they would see land again of any form. 

Religious vows were made and pilgrimages 

Arranged, and all vowed to pay their devotion 
At the nearest church should they be spared. 

The following morning while all were in motion, 
Land was seen and the transports of the 

Crew almost equalled those experienced the time 
When first they beheld the New World, 

New beings, new land, new clime. 



82 



The land proved to be St. Mary's one of the 

Azores, in possession of the King of Portugal. 
Here he remained two days and again set sail 

For Spain, and on March 4th. his arrival 
Found themselves off the rock of Cintra, 

At the mouth of the Tagus, in Portugal, and came 
To anchor. A messenger was dispatched with the 

Tidings of his discovery to the King and Queen 

[of Spain. 

King John of Portugal, sent congratulations to 

Columbus and invited him to his court, 
Which invitation was accepted. He remained 

Here ten days, and on March 15, 1493, the port 
Of Palos he entered and anchored, but not far 

From the spot from which he had sailed. 
It is a singular coincidence, but one which 

Appears to be well authenticated 



That on the very day on which Columbus reached [ini^ 

Palos, and while the pealsof triumph were still ring- 
From its towers, the Pinta, commanded by Pinzon, 

Which had become separated in their voyagin^j, 
Likewise entered the harbor. Doubting whether 

Columbus had survived the gale, Pinzon had 
Prepared a letter to the sovereigns requesting per- 

To come to court, feeling so very glad [mission 

To make known in person the discoveries, 

But beholding the vessels of Columbus in port, 
And learning of the enthusiasm of his reception, 

He was much cast down, as at court 
He was forbidden by the sovereigns to appear. 

This so acted upon him that he died 
In a few days of deep dejection, 

And for whom, poor mortal, no one sighed. 



84 



Columbus's letter had produced a great sensation 

At the Spanish Court, and the event he announced 
Was considered the most extraordinary in [nounced, 

Their reign, and Columbus a great man was pro- 
And was requested to come at once to court 

Which at Barcelonia was then being held. 
The stories of his discoveries had preceded him, 

And as he approached the crowd swelled 

Into throngs of people who conducted him 

Into the city in great triumph, the Indians 
Which he had brought with him led the line 

And bearers of all the marvels — specimens 
Of the New World followed, some with parrots 

And other birds, others with ornaments of gold, 
Some with skins of unknown animals, plants, 

Columbus on horse back, what a sight to behold 



85 



Amid the mounted chivalry of Spain. 

Thus the procession marched on through the street 
Amid the shouts of the people of the Alcazar 

Of the Moorish kings, (how all did greet), 
Where it is supposed Ferdinand and Isabella 

Had caused their thrones to be set up in gold, 
Rather a canopy of gold drooping about them. 

Columbus's bosom heaved as never told 

When he approached the royal dais both 

Monarchs rose to receive him standing. 
At their request he gave an account of his 

Voyages, his discoveries and his landing, 
Before the assembled nobility of Spain, 

And at the conclusion of his recital 
The sovereigns sunk on their knees and poured 

Forth thanks to God, how spiritual. 



86 



The anthem Tc Dciiin Laiidaums was chanted [ment 

By the choir of the royal chapel with accompani- 
Of instruments. Such was the solemn and pious 

Manner in which the court celebrated this sublime 
Offering up a grateful tribute of melody and [event, 

Praise and giving glory to God 
For the discovery of another world 

In which millions in the future would plod. 
The tidings of the discovery were spread far and wide, 

And the whole civilized world filled with wonder. 
On September 25, 1493, Columbus "sailed on his 

Second voyage on which he did preponder, 
Taking with him fifteen hundred men and 

Seventeen ships, besides hundreds of animals 
For propagation in the New World, and 

Alter a journey of forty days looking at intervals^ 



Discovered land, which proved to be an island. 

It was named Dominica. He reached Espanola 
On November 22nd., Monte Christi the 27th., 

And La Navidad on the 20th., but how sorry 
To find it deserted and those he left behind in 

That fort killed by the natives. After extending 
Their voyage to the adjacent islands in vain, 

Efforts in quest of gold mines spending. 

On Febtuary 21, 1494, twelve of the vessels 

Returned to Spain with the treasures they collected. 
The rest of the vessels with Christopher Columbus 

Continued their explorations and as expected 
Discovered the island of Jamaica and several 

Other smaller ones. On his return to 
The island of Isabella he found his brother 

Bartholomew there in grand review, 



88 



After having sailed from Spain with three 

Caravels on April 30th., 1484, after himcame 

Still another expedition in command of Antonia 
Tarres, with four ships provided with game. 

Efforts were being made all this time to 

Establish towns, forts, etc., and to colonize 

The different islands. On March 10, 1496, Columbus 
Set sail for Spain, after all did harmonize. 

He had spent a year in continuing his discoveries, 

And planting colonies, and with him taking 
Thirty of the natives, he arrived in Cadiz, 

Spain, on June iith., the second trip making.- 
On his return he was invited to court, but 

Would seem not to have met with as gracious 
A reception as on the last occasion, when he 

Returned triumphant from discoveries so anxious. 



89 



Columbus now remained in Spain until 

May 30th.. 1498, when he left the port 
Of San Lucas de Barremedo, with six vessels 

For his third voyage of discovery, with sport. 
t)uring his stay in Spain these two years 

Many other expeditions had been fitted 
Out and started across the Atlantic, 

The way now well known must be admitted. 

All the best mariners and brave spirits 

Of the civilized world knew this watery way. 
On this voyage Columbus discovered l>inidad, 

But did not intend here for to stay. 
From there he struck across to the Continent 

Of South America, which was the first time 
He had ever set foot on the Continent 

Of the New World, now feeling prime. 



90 



Although he was unaware of it at the time. 

From here he went to Espanola. 
During his absence from the latter place, 

His brother built a fort at Santo Domingo, 
Which place he selected and named. 

In the next two years, more ships were sent back 
To Spain with all the gold that could be procured, 

Together with specimens of plants, animals no lack. 

For a long time afterwards Columbus remained 

At Santo Domingo, as the new colony 
Was much disturbed and open revolts were 

Only subdued by recourse to arms, such mutiny, 
Causing at the time much blood to be shed. 

Accounts of these troubles having reached 
The ears of the sovereigns in Spain, 

A commissioner was sent who searched 



91 



With his two ships and crews and enquire 

Into affairs, and who arrived at Santo Domingo, 
During the absence of Columbus and brother. 

This commissioner was Francisco de Bobadilla, 
Who immediately upon landing took possession 

Of the little town, also the house of Columbus, 
And secured all his papers and effects. 

When Columbus had returned what a fuss. 

He was seized by orders of Bobadilla, 

Loaded with chains and cast into prison. 
In October, 1500, he was sent back to Spain 

A captive. He was soon an audience given 
With the Spanisli monarch who ordered chains off. 

Columbus lived two years after this in Spain. 
His property was taken away from him 

And he suffered in body and mind, pain. 



92 



At times he was reduced to actual want, 

And his spirit broken by seeing expeditions 
Sent to the New World without him, all 

This being caused by his enemies' conditions. 
His property, however, was afterwards restored 

To him, but not all his titles and honor. 
Subsequently affairs took a brighter turn 

Until in i 502 was again restored to favor. 

He was again sent with two ships on 

Another voyage, but was forbidden to call 
At Espanola. His hardships were now 

Beginning to tell upon him — A downfall. 
His mental and physical conditions much 

Strained. He sailed from Cadiz 30, May 
1502, and reached Martinico after a short 

Voyage. On this trip he determined to disobey 



93 



His instructions and revisit Santo Domingo, 

Where he arrived in June, but was forbidden 
To enter the harbor by the authorities. 

He spent some time repairing his ''riggin " 
And making new discoveries, before he again 

Set sail for Spain, after another tempestuous 
Voyage, and after a long series of fatigues 

He finally reached the harbor of San Lucas. 

During all of the period he remained 

In the New World on his fourth voyage 
He was beset with difficulties of all kinds; 

Storms at sea, troubles with the natives, savage. 
Sickness, bodily -end mental diseases. 

Losses of ships, and his enemies 
Both at home and in the islands 

He had discoveried, adding to his miseries; 



94 



All put together rendered his life one 

Of vexation, chagrin and almost despair. 
His ships, too, were in very bad condition 

In a letter to the sovereigns, "Is it fair ? 
I was twenty-eight years old when I 

Came into your highnesses services and now 
I have not a hair upon my head that is not grey, 

My body is infirm and beginning to bow, 

And all that was left to me as well 

As my brother, has been taken away and sold, 
Even to the frock that I wore, to my dishonor, 

Can my friends treat me so cold " ? 
On the arrival at San Lucas, Columbus 

Now a sick man, to Seville was conveyed. 
Where he remained a long time in hopes 

Of getting better, which on his mind preyed, 



95 



At this time he was neglected by nearly 

Every one in Court. The Queen who had 
Befriended him, was dead and his profits 

From the discoveries were not paid 
Him, while his property had had been seized 

To satisfy creditors. His disease was increasing, 
Dispite that fact he proceeded to Salamanca 

To see the king in an effort of obtaining 

The reward of his discoveries, and followed 

The court to Valladolid. but his illness 
Causing him alarm, he made his will. 

His last act on earth, and before witness. 
After partaking of the sacament he died 

May 20, I 506, hoping for the reward of his merit, 
His last words being, "Into Thy Hands, 

O Lord, I commit my Spirit." 



He Came, 



And what a coming! Doubts and Difficulties 

Were its heralds, dangers and disappointment 
Its genii, heart burnings and humiliations its [ment. 

Hourly companions. Everything was discontent- 
Troubles, thick as the flying gold of the sylvan 

Forests, gathered around the feet of the Genoese, 
And pit falls innumerable lay in ambush 

For his steps, all of which did displease. 

Denounced as a visionary, a dreamer of dreams, 

Madman and impostor, he turned from cottage 
Door and palace gate, a victim to the heartless 

Cruelty of an ignorant age. The village 
Dolts jeered him as an oaf, and the puffed up 

Sciolists of the time spurned him as a charlatan, 
But his unbounded trust in heaven, throughout [gun. 

Those harrowing days, never faltered since he be- 
96 



97 



Rebuffs and repulses failed to break his spirit, 

And amid many trials and bitter persecutions, 
He clung to his purpose with inflexible tenacity. 

Weary and footsore after many journeyings 
In heat and cold, in storm and darkness, 

He sought invariable refuge in God's sanctury, 
And there communing with the one Beingwho alone 

Could understand him, he repaired the serenity 



Of his confidence, and shook off the troubles 

That weighed upon his invisible soul. 
It was his lofty and sincere piety that chiefly 

Paved the way for his coming to his goal, 
For it enabled him to cast aside montains 

Of dif^culties as though they were mole hills. 
And inspired- him with a courge that obstacles 

Only seemed to foster, his heart fills. 



98 



His commanding figure and noble mein 

Admirably reflected his exalted reverence 
For his Maker, while the whips and scorns of 

Time, took on a rarer aspect, and his endurance 
When viewed in the light of his deep devotion 

To the sorrow-pierced heart of a heavenly Mother. 
The religious side of Columbus's character must 

Be fully taken into account as a brother 

If we wish to do justice to his extraordinary 

Life work. It was when the world scorned 
And men derided him most that he trusted most 

In the guidance of Divine Providence the same ad- 
And felt most confident in the success of [orned. 

The magnificant project that was destined 
By its realization to revolutionize the world. 

A consequence which is not questioned. 



99 



Of this religious element in his character 

And career that the clouds broke away 
When one might have expected them to gather 

Still blacker and thicker, and shall say 
The rift in the heavens disclosed to his 

Longing gaze the blue zone of hope 
Which presaged ultimate success. Suddenly, 

As if by magic, many voices spoke. 

And palace gates opened, knightly forms 

Bowed before him, a king welcomed to court, 
And a peerless women, queen by nature 

And by name, the most religious sort, 
Hailed him as one who was to fasten in 

The diadem of Spain, the brighest gem 
That could sparkle there. Courtiers speedly 

Followed their example and it would seem 



100 



That those who had but a short time before 

Gorgonized him with a haughty, stony stare, 
Now vied with him in doing homage to the 

Poor adventurer from Genoa. Did not spare 
Money and ships which were placed at his 

Disposal, and soon the prow of the caravel 
Which the newly made admiral commanded 

Pointed westward o'er the deep to travel, 

And every breeze that swelled the canvass of the 
■ Santa Maria bore her further into a wild waste 
Of unknown waters and nearer to the shores of the 

Promised land, the coveted goal all in taste. 
Who that has read the record of that voyage 

Has not felt his heart palpitate with doubt 
And joy, fear and hope, as storm and sunshine 

Attended the westward weird watery route, 



101 



Of that hero freighted craft while the one 

Threatened to engulf her in the fathomless deep, 
Or the other enkindled fresh hopes in the breasts 

Of her intrepid crew, who did not weep. 
At last the golden dawn of an October morning 

Disclosed to the enraptured eyes of the mighty 
Argonauts, the fairest vision that ever yet unrolled 

Itself to the human gaze since Adam with piety 



First looked upon the newly created w^orks of 

The Almighty. The primeval forests of beauty 
Loomed above the horizon and the dream 

Of a lifetime became a magnificent reality. 
He saw before him a continent that stretched, 

Though he knew not theji. from pole to pole. 
And gemmed the boundless spaces that 

Separated two mighty oceans which did roll. 



102 



Who knows but in that moment of ecstacy 

It was vouchsafed to him to see with prophetic 
Ken what that continent was destined to be, 

That at the end of four hundred years its majestic 
Portion was to be the home of sixty millions 

Of free men, noble, prosperous, happy, united, 
Singing peans of praise to the man whose 

Matchless genius this modern Canaan sighted, 

And made it possible there to rear a monument 

To freedom whose foundation would rest 
Upon adamant and whose roof would 

Shelter all nations, inviting them west; 
And as he dipped into this vision of the future 

He must have beheld the marvel those 
Freemen had accomplished, those boundless 

Acres teeming with all that nature grows; 



103 



Magnificent cities vieing in grandeur and 

Stateliness with the marble city of Augustus, 
And infinitely surpassing it in all that contribute 

To the refinement and amenities of living thus. 
But above all his God loving and religious soul 

Must have exalted in the conviction 
That he had hewed the way for the Gospel, 

That his sublime sacrifices with intention, 

And immortal labors had helped the Cross 

To surmount countless spires, and that the seed 
He sowed when he knelt on our virgin soil 

And unfurled CHRIST'S banner in speed, 
Has borne incalculable fruit and enlarged 

The kingdom of GOD's children beyond 
All previous demensions, and in whom fond 

Scintillations of a spiritual existence did respond. 
Will Creedon, Graduate Jefferson Medical College, Phila., Pa., {Class ^90). 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




000 862 673 P 



•Wheeunq, W. VA. 



